No more delays, councils must act now

The people of Waitara have every right to be concerned about their voice being put on the back-burner over the long-standing Waitara sewage issue, Maori Party MP for Te Tai Hauauru Tariana Turia says.

“Justice delayed is justice denied,” said Mrs Turia who has been approached by Waitara constituents concerned about the length of time it is taking the Taranaki Regional Council to hear their submissions on New Plymouth District Council’s application to continue releasing sewage into Waitara beach.

“I understand a submission hearing was tentatively set for this month at one of the marae in Waitara but that has been held off until the end of this year or early next year – after the coming government elections.

“The people of Waitara have been waiting for more than 30 years to have their say on this issue and to make them wait any longer is outrageous.

“I urge both councils to act urgently – not to leave this issue to fester for another local body election or another generation.”

Mrs Turia said she was especially concerned about claims of food contamination and people getting sick after swimming and surfing at the beach.

“Claims like this only reinforce why this issue should be a priority for both councils. Progress must not be at the expense of our waterways, our food basket and our health.”

“While there are reports saying everything meets water quality guidelines, I have concerns that the samples those reports are based on aren’t being taken from or immediately around the worst affected areas [where the outfall location is].”

Mrs Turia understood that the delay was a result of the regional council asking the applicant for more information and the latter asking for an extension of time in which to provide it.

“The regional council has been very accommodating to the applicant, whose consent actually expired two years ago, and now it is time for it to give ear to the Waitara community, not next year but right now.”

ENDS

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